Saturday, 21 May 2016

“We’re now starting to see some of the fruits of our labour in the mobile sector – a journey that has been filled with thrills and spills. We now continue on that one clear and simple mission, to offer Jamaicans the best value for money on the market – bar none. We couldn’t have reached this notable milestone without the tireless efforts of our dedicated staff who were always confident that this mission was achievable. I am in awe of the resilience of my colleagues and cannot overstate the huge debt of appreciation owed to them.” – Flow’s Managing Director Garry Sinclair celebrating the mobile company’s recent achievement of one million mobile subscribers**“Even in the face of challenges, we are seizing the golden opportunity to effect changes that will strengthen the institutional arrangements, modernize the operations and ensure financial sustainability of the scheme. Plans are being executed to improve the quality of service through the development of a new management information technology system, which will create greater efficiency; the review and revision of processes, standards and the implementation of new methods for paying benefits as part of the road map for the Government’s digital payments to foster financial inclusion.” – Labour & Social Security Minister Shahine Robinson on the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) at 50 and plans to enhance the quality of the service**“There is absolutely no place for police corruption in the force. There is no place for situations where we hear of policemen asking motorists ‘left or right’. You hear all types of different stories. The body camera will be an impartial witness between the police and the public. They will improve policing, they will improve professionalism and they will improve public relations.” – National Security Minister Robert ‘Bobby’ Montague on plans to introduce body cameras to boost the work and integrity of the local police force**“I am bewildered that 17 years later we are still having motor vehicle crashes with persons being thrown from vehicles because of non-compliance. No amount of regulation and enforcement can totally eradicate this scourge. It requires a change in our behaviour.” – Permanent Secretary for Transport & Works, Dr. Alwin Hales, urging Jamaican motorists to practise safer driving habits to reduce road fatalities**“We had applications for some athletes to go and represent Bahrain, and we did not raise an objection. Previously, we allowed the athletes, if they wanted to go (to do so). The executive is (now) of the view that we should object in the future and make them wait the mandatory three years and fulfil all the regulations laid down by the IAAF.” – JAAA President Dr. Warren Blake speaking recently about requests made by former Team Jamaica athletes to switch their allegiance to foreign countries